Fancy Dresses

Our fancy dresses feature styles inspired by the Victorian (including the Civil War) and Edwardian eras as well as the 1920s and 1950s. Whether you are looking for romance, elegance, whimsy, or are seeking to make a classical statement, you will always make a fabulous entrance at your next event or dinner party in one of our designs.

The fabrics used in our fancy dresses include dupioni, satin, and taffeta. Dupioni is a crisp silk. Its tight weave produces a highly-lustrous fabric. Satin produces a high-gloss shimmering finish. Taffeta produces a muted luster; the slight ribbing creates an unmistakable rustle. Depending on the era, some of our fancy dresses are also made from organza, easy care polyester, and cottons, such as batiste. We use a variety of beautiful trims including ruffles, lace, braiding, fabric rosettes, ruching, beading, gimp, Venice lace, applique, pleating, ribbons, sequins, and fringe.

Be the center of attention in one of our Victorian ball gowns! All eyes will be on you in one or our designs. Be the belle of your next cotillion in one of our Civil War era designs. We have styles inspired by Mary Todd Lincoln as well as those that would fit in at Tara in Gone With the Wind. Our Victorian ball gowns continue to be among our best sellers. Our designs cover the gamut from simple and elegant to exquisitely detailed. We feature dresses that look at home not only during the Civil War era, but during the 1870s bustled era, and the late Victorian era. Our skirts easily work with crinolines and some with even the widest of hoops! With a variety of necklines, sleeve styles, and waistlines, including our famous 'V' point, one of our fancy Victorian dresses will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe.

Our Edwardian-era fashions perfectly capture the romance and elegance of the period. We offer several fancy dresses in styles that complement most figures. They feature elasticized waistlines for your comfort. Bodices are free and easy and offer a variety of trims from batiste to lace to applique or sequin beading.

We move into the 1920s with a variety of designs as diverse as the era. Whether you envision a visit to Downton Abbey or see yourself as a flapper enjoying all the Roaring '20s had to offer, we have a fancy dress design to suit your style! Figure skimming creations with classic dropped waists, asymmetrical hemlines and lots of fringe allow you to be as prim and proper as you wish or ready to dance the night away to the Charleston.

Our 1950s retro-styled dresses look like they've stepped out of an Audrey Hepburn movie. Three-quarter length sleeves and a modified boat neckline with a center front slice elegantly offset the full-circle skirt. You will swish to your heart's desire as you sashay through your soiree!

We also offer a variety of accessories for the perfect finishing touch. Hats, hair ornaments, jewelry, jabots, crinolines and hoops, stockings, shoes, boots, fans, parasols, and more are all availabe right here! Oh, and all or our designs are lovingly created and crafted in the USA, and are available in sizes XS to XXXXL.

Size Chart

Most people find that our sizing runs generously. If you are undecided with which size to order, it is best to order the smaller size, or give us a call to assist you (1-800-452-5925). You may also email us at sales@recollections.biz with your measurements (bust and waist) and we can help you choose the nearest size.

An exception to the generous sizing is the type of ball gown that requires boning in the bodice and that supports a heavy skirt. Many times this style is also "off-the-shoulder" and requires a firm fit to stay up. These styles tend to not run as generously as most of our other garments because of this. But please, give us a call if you are uncertain.

In most cases you should take your bust and waist measurement to determine your size. Please wear the undergarments that you intend to wear when you do your measuring. For example, take your measurement over the type of brassiere or corset that you may be wearing.

Measure the fullest part of your bust around and the smallest part of your waist.